13 child-friendly country retreats in the UK

Bovey Castle, Devon

Bovey Castle, Devon

This sprawling 275-acre estate is situated in the beautiful
Dartmoor National Park, in the heart of Devon. The hotel has 64
bedrooms and 14 huge three-bedroom lodges. There is a huge indoor
pool, spa and golf course, and complimentary activities such as a
daily falconry display, badminton, mountain-biking, croquet and
tennis. Other activities include fly-fishing, art classes, golf and
cider and sloe gin making. All facilities needed for baby care are
available as well as a baby-listening service.

For kids

Children are treated like royalty and the main aim is that they
have the maximum fun possible. The Playroom crèche (ages 3-6), run
by fully qualified staff is full of toys and games, and activities
are put on including painting, making chocolate crispies and
badge-making. Bovey Rangers (ages 7-14) provides exciting
activities from camp fire building and camouflage face painting,
archery, raft building and golf lessons. There's also a trampoline
and playground, and in summer there are pony rides around the
estate. Every day, children can collect eggs from hotel chickens
and meet the resident ferrets. High Tea is provided and films are
arranged during school holidays.